Sober Living Stories

Jessica Stipanovic

Welcome to the "Sober Living Stories" podcast, a platform built on the power of personal stories. Each Tuesday, Jessica Stipanovic, your host, shines a spotlight on individuals who have undergone remarkable life transformations to inspire hope in listeners worldwide.
Each guest shares their story giving examples of bold beginnings disguised as endings and life lessons that teach how the darkest moments often hold the key to unlocking the brightest light.
This podcast inspires positive life changes. Whether you're sober curious, living an alcohol-free lifestyle, have overcome a challenge and lived to tell about it, or support someone who wants to shed a habit in light of a new one, our episodes promise to leave you feeling understood, hopeful, and motivated to create meaningful transformations in your life.

Join us for powerful new episodes every Tuesday where the most difficult life experiences serve to uplift and inspire. Regardless of your background or belief system, the "Sober Living Stories" podcast is your ultimate destination for uplifting narratives where hope shines from the most unexpected places.

In addition to featuring our weekly guests, each month on the "Sober Living Stories" podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with a new author, delving into their story and the wisdom they've shared in their book.
Here's the exciting part: their book becomes the giveaway for that month.

Tune in every Tuesday for brand-new episodes and your chance to win the gift of a transformed life.

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Top 10 Sober Living Stories Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Sober Living Stories episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Sober Living Stories for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Sober Living Stories episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

A Mom Fights Generational Alcoholism and Wins Regaining Custody of Her First Child: Stephani's Sobriety Story

Sober Living Stories

12/12/23 • 21 min

Welcome to The Sober Livings Stories Podcast with host Jessica Stipanovic, where we dive headfirst into heartfelt conversations about addiction, recovery, and conquering generational alcoholism. Tune in this is one you are not going to want to miss!
In this episode, Jessica explores the sobriety journey of a fitness-focused mom who has encountered the trials of parenting without alcohol, overcoming loss and relapse, and ultimately reclaiming control over her whole life.

Imagine a life that seemed perfect, only to spiral back into the clutches of addiction. Stephani faced this reality but turned her life around with a commitment to just 30 days of change. Her dedication not only transformed her own life but also created a positive ripple effect on her family, breaking the cycle of addiction for future generations. She attributes her turnaround to the supportive community and spiritual tools she discovered on her road to recovery.
Meet Stephani, wife, mom of four, and medical professional who shares a candid and unfiltered account of her battle with alcoholism, the struggle to find acceptance, and the heart-wrenching experience of losing custody of her first child. Despite these adversities, Stephani's story is a powerful example. Her life has become an illustration of patience and perseverance toward healthy, God-inspired alternatives to alcohol and drugs. She explains how putting down alcohol and redefining her life and that of her family has paved the way to a new life filled with hope and purpose. Follow Stephani's fitness journey at Steph (@phit.with.phani) • Instagram photos and videos. Be inspired to live your best life sober.

Grab your gift for listening today! 👇
Click Here: https://www.jessicastipanovic.com/the-7-day-happiness-challenge
A FREE 7-Day Happiness Challenge | a mini workbook filled with 7 pages of positive habits to help you create the best version of YOU.
Join our FREE Sober Living Stories FB Group: Sober Living Stories | Facebook
Sign up for weekly episodes straight to your inbox: www.jessicastipanovic.com
Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/jessicastipanovic
Your story matters.

From Combat to Recovery: Nick Padlo Builds a Legacy by Helping the Addicted

Sober Living Stories

06/25/24 • 35 min

Join us as we welcome Nick Padlo, an Iraq war veteran and accomplished business professional who openly shares his personal story from military and business success to battling addiction and depression.
Throughout this episode, Nick opens up about his darkest moments and the pivotal steps he took to reclaim his life, ultimately leading him to establish rehabilitation centers and advocate for mental health and recovery.
We discuss the story behind Nick's decision to open Sophros Recovery | Addiction Treatment Center in Jacksonville, FL, and Sophros Recovery | Addiction Rehab Center | Tampa, FL (sophrosrecoverytampa.com) in Tampa, Florida. He talks about a transformative trip to Cambodia that inspired a mission to address the gaps in post-residential treatment care. This discussion highlights the critical need for comprehensive support that goes beyond abstinence, addressing both addiction and underlying mental health issues to foster lasting recovery.
Nick and I discuss practical advice on identifying personal triggers and developing healthy coping mechanisms, from new hobbies to supportive relationships. Discover the strategies for managing codependency, insecure attachment, and people-pleasing tendencies in relationships, which often lead to emotional turmoil and relapse.
This episode emphasizes the significance of geographical changes breaking old patterns, the continuous journey of self-improvement, and the profound role of empathy and advocacy in the path to sustained sobriety and recovery.
To connect with Nick Padlo:
Sophros Recovery | Addiction Treatment Center Jacksonville FL
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sophrosrecovery/
(26) Sophros Recovery: Overview | LinkedIn
Sophros Recovery (@sophrosrecovery) • Instagram photos and videos

Healing Eating Disorders: Beyond Food Addiction with Christiane Schroeter

Sober Living Stories

01/30/24 • 31 min

When digestive issues began to show up in her teen years, Christiane Schroeter's aversion to food resulted in anorexia. Later in life, discovering solutions to her health led to educational achievements, a renewed sense of self and a successful career. Our latest episode features Christiane Schroeter founder of Hello Happy Nest | Accountability Coach an accountability coach, who opens up about her journey of overcoming an eating disorder to a path of wellness. Born in Germany and flourishing in the U.S., Christiane's story is not just her own—it's a universal story of finding balance, the importance of tuning into our body's needs, and the undeniable impact of addiction on our lives.
Listen in as Christiane recounts her transformation, learning to see food not as an enemy but as a source of healing and happiness. She discusses in depth the essence of control in battling eating disorders and the crucial role of strong, supportive relationships in her recovery.
From the occasional cake for breakfast to cherishing the simple pleasures of family meals, she illustrates that moderation and self-care can coexist with life's sweet indulgences. Her story is a testament to the power of being real and the profound connections we are fortunate to acquire when we share our true selves.
Join us and be inspired by the strength in vulnerability and the beauty of a life reclaimed through the love of good food and great friends.
Christiane Schroeter started her business as a health and fitness coach in 2013. She has degrees in Foods & Nutrition, a Ph.D. in Health Economics, and 20+ years of experience helping clients transform their daily wellness routines. Christiane has been a professor for 15+ years and earned multiple national and international teaching and publication awards. Most of her clients find Christiane through her Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast (hellohappynest.com), ranked among the top 1.5% globally. To create your daily health habits, click here: Get your FREE Health Habit checklist.
https://hellohappynest.com/
Christiane | Accountability Coach & Top 1.5% Podcaster (@hello.happy.nest) • Instagram photos and videos

42 Years of Freedom: Former Child Actor Amy Colliton Shares Her Sobriety Story

Sober Living Stories

07/02/24 • 51 min

Join us on this episode of the Sober Living Stories podcast as we welcome Amy Colliton, a former childhood actor and founder of her own theater company, who celebrates 42 years of sobriety today. From her first encounter with alcohol at just 11 years old to her involvement in Alateen, Amy's journey is a true example and inspiration to listeners looking to make a change. She shares candid moments from her life, including the challenges of navigating trust issues within her family dynamic and the lifestyle of a young professional actor.
Getting sober at the young age of 21 years old, her colorful story talks about her wild lifestyle in New York City, up until sobriety took hold and changed her life. She also touches on family alcoholism as a generational component. Our conversation is relatable, fun, and filled with insights about long-term sobriety.
Through vivid storytelling, Amy highlights the pivotal roles of various supportive figures, her heartfelt reunion with her father, and the transformative experiences that paved the way for her 42-year recovery. Her narrative is a testament to the power of community and the vital importance of complete abstinence in maintaining long-term sobriety.
As we discuss deeper, Amy opens up about the generational impact of alcoholism, the importance of addressing deep-seated family issues, and the role of altruism in her recovery. She discusses the emotional growth that comes from breaking free of codependency and secrecy, and the challenges and hopes of parenting while sober.
Amy now lives on the West Coast and enjoys sober living among friends and family. To connect with Amy Colliton:
https://www.facebook.com/carlsbad123/
https://www.instagram.com/amyc.113/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-colliton-2b421b263/

Normalizing Sobriety: Leigh’s Alcohol-Free Lifestyle & the Birth of @Macrosnmocktails

Sober Living Stories

07/23/24 • 38 min

Meet Leigh of @macrosnmocktails, a first-class female on a mission to normalize sobriety by bravely sharing her life as a sober mom one post at a time.
Join host Jessica Stipanovic as she sits down with Leigh to listen to her sobriety story and wildfire connection with a community that helps her remain accountable and inspires others to believe in the promise of sobriety. From her father's sudden passing to her decision in 2017 to pursue an alcohol-free life, Leigh discussed using alcohol as a coping mechanism for her grief, the red flags she ignored, and the moment she knew a change was necessary.
Leigh launched @macrosnmocktails in June 2023 and her desire to be alcohol-free turned into a passion to normalize sobriety by helping followers believe in the possibility of a sober life. She vulnerably shares her past struggles and newfound solutions about alcoholism with heartfelt compassion and a touch of humor. Leigh became sober curious in 2017, and it took her 6 years for sobriety to finally stick. She claims she didn't have a rock bottom, but plenty of rocky moments that served as red flags that led her to the belief that drinking was no longer an option. Her transparent storytelling on social media has helped her shed shame and has encouraged others to begin their sobriety journeys.
Finally, we challenge the stigma surrounding sobriety, highlighting the misconception that alcohol addiction is a personal failing. Leigh’s mantra, "drinking is not an option," resonates throughout our conversation, illustrating the profound impact of her commitment to an alcohol-free life. We discuss how sobriety has enriched her parenting, enhanced self-trust, and improved family dynamics, all while providing a blueprint for others to follow.
Tune in to be inspired by Leigh’s story and discover the power and promise of living an alcohol-free life.
To connect with Leigh during the week: Leigh | Alcohol-Free Living | Sober Mom (@macrosnmocktails) • Instagram photos and videos

Designing A New Life: Jessica Summer's Comeback Story

Sober Living Stories

12/03/24 • 49 min

How does a successful fashion designer find herself in the throes of addiction, battling homelessness, and rising again to help others find their path?

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Summers, a mom and former boutique owner whose life fell apart after complications during childbirth led her to rely on prescription pills. That dependence spiraled into street drugs and eventually homelessness. Jessica shares her raw, honest story to shed light on how addiction can take hold of even the most seemingly “normal” lives.

Jessica opens up about losing everything to addiction and how she fought her way back. She talks about the emotional and physical toll of postpartum struggles and how being dismissed by her healthcare providers left her vulnerable. In her darkest moments, she found strength through a small, still voice that guided her toward hope and healing. Her journey is proof that even the toughest battles can be won.

Jessica’s recovery wasn’t just about getting clean—it was about rebuilding her life. With the help of compassionate care and dual diagnosis treatment, she learned that addiction isn’t a moral failing but a disease that requires understanding and support. Today, she’s an author, speaker, and cognitive behavioral therapy coach, using her story to inspire others to reclaim their power and find renewal, no matter how hopeless life might seem.

Her upcoming book, The Road to Now: From Tragedy to Triumph, is a must-read for anyone facing similar struggles. Click the link below to learn more and get your copy.

https://a.co/d/j00V4RO

To connect with Jessica Summers:
www.jessica-summers.com
http://linkedin.com/in/jessica-summers-b12680182
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080486230656&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Friendship and Recovery: Lisa Dare's Story on Supporting Sobriety with Loved Ones

Sober Living Stories

07/16/24 • 37 min

Have you ever witnessed a friend or family member suffer from alcoholism or addiction and wondered how you could help?
Join us as we share Lisa Dare's powerful journey of witnessing a friend's descent into alcoholism and supporting her path to recovery. Lisa's experiences at a work event sparked a realization that led to her friend's crucial decision to seek help. Through her touching narrative, Lisa and I discuss the stigma and workplace gossip surrounding addiction, and the pivotal role of understanding it as a disease.
In our conversation, we explore the importance of a non-judgmental support system in battling alcoholism/addiction. We dive into the emotional toll addiction takes on families, particularly the harsh realities faced by mothers at risk of losing their children. Lisa's story is an example of the importance of open communication about addiction and celebrates the recovery that is possible from dedicated support and love.
As we talk about the transformative journey of her friend's sobriety, Lisa shares insights on building a resilient life through therapy, coaching, and a strong support foundation. We highlight the importance of personal leadership and the courage to ask for help. Lisa discusses the roles of therapy for healing past wounds and coaching for personal growth.
Listen to understand how trauma-informed coaching can empower individuals to live healthier, happier lives.
To connect with Lisa Dare:
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/telus.net/subscription-sign-up
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.dare.exec.coach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectionsparkplug/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ldare

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisadare/

Positive Sober Vibes: Courtney Andersen's Story

Sober Living Stories

08/06/24 • 42 min

Have you ever wondered how a single day can change your life forever? Meet Courtney Andersen, a sober life coach, podcast host, and author. She is the founder of Sober Vibes and National Sober Day and helps women quit drinking alcohol and thrive in sobriety.
Through Courtney's story, you'll learn the incredible power of community support in those early days of recovery and discover the valuable resources she offers through her online community and her book, "Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in Your First Three Months Without Alcohol."
Courtney Andersen stresses the importance of meeting people where they are. Whether it’s 12-step programs, therapy, or sober coaching, she shares how finding what resonates with each person is key to long-term recovery. Courtney’s insights will leave you rethinking the conventional methods and eager to explore new ways to support your journey toward the best version of you.
Finally, get the inside scoop on how National Sober Day came to be and why it's a role in promoting sobriety. Courtney offers a peek into her book that guides individuals toward life transformation. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with practical advice, humor, and a celebration of living an alcohol-free life.
Grab Courtney's FREE Resource:
Click Here: Sober Not Boing Calendar, https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/opt-in
Website- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com
IG- https://www.instagram.com/sober.vibes
Podcast- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/podcast
Book- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/sober-vibes-pre-order

Faith, Forgiveness & Freedom: Doug’s Mission to Help Men Conquer Addiction

Sober Living Stories

10/08/24 • 52 min

Imagine finding redemption at your lowest point—Doug Sweeney did just that. After a journey marked by addiction and run-ins with the law, Doug discovered a life-transforming faith that reshaped his entire existence. On this episode of Sober Living Stories, he opens up about his path from the depths of addiction to becoming a powerful example of hope for other men grappling with similar struggles. Doug's experience is a testament to the power of faith and community in overcoming life's darkest moments.
Forgiveness plays a pivotal role in Doug's story, offering profound lessons on the importance of deep-rooted humility grounded in faith. As we explore these themes, reflections on the Beatitudes and spiritual beliefs unveil how forgiving others—not because they deserve it, but because it liberates us—can lead to healing and renewal. This transformative journey is not just about overcoming addiction; it’s about turning life's greatest challenges into opportunities for a new life.
Throughout the conversation, we highlight the critical role of supportive communities in the recovery journey. Doug shares insights on breaking free from cycles of shame and self-destruction, illustrating how living in the present and practicing gratitude can lead to a fulfilling life. His dedication to helping others find purpose and freedom in sobriety inspires anyone facing their battles. Join us as we talk through Doug's life experience and learn how to heal from the inside out.
Doug's sole intention is to lead men who are exhausted from defeat on their own effort out of substance addiction, towards a new and real transformation that enables one to reclaim control in their life.
If you are ready to pursue a path of true change without fear of loss, Doug is here to guide and support you. Reach out to Doug Sweeney by email, and he’ll send you a link to connect via Zoom:
Email: [email protected]

From Emotional Eating to Empowerment: Miriam Rachel's Transformation

Sober Living Stories

02/20/24 • 45 min

Have you ever found solace in the depths of a pantry, seeking emotional refuge in food? Miriam Rachel has story is a testament to the power of positive change. Bravely looking at the root of her struggles with emotional eating, she shares her story. From a critical upbringing to the demands of caring for a special needs child, Miriam's journey through severe depression and a peak weight of 300 pounds speaks to the heart of anyone who's fought to overcome an addiction.
Finding solutions to food addiction and echoism (pathological people pleasing), our latest episode isn't just about Miriam's victory; it's about strategies anyone can employ to reclaim their life. Medication, she stresses, was merely a tool, not a solution. As Miriam learned to confront her emotions head-on, she found solace in the written word, turning to journaling to express and heal.
Listen as she discusses the delicate act of sharing personal struggles with the world, all while preserving privacy and dignity. It's a balancing act many of us can learn from, especially when letting go of past comforts in pursuit of a healthier self.
As a mental health advocate, she shares day-to-day tactics that sustain progress. Miriam doesn't shy away from discussing burnout, setting boundaries, and the importance of self-care, particularly for those in caregiving roles. She offers practical advice on managing nutrition, making peace with dietary changes, and finding balance within a world that often feels unbalanced.
Her healthy weight loss tips go beyond the scale, focusing on mental resilience, the celebration of non-scale victories, and the power of community support. Join us to hear how Miriam turned her trials into triumph, and how you also can win at a healthier, happier life.
To connect further with Miriam Rachel visit:
https://miriamreadstarot.substack.com
https://msmir.medium.com
https://instagram.com/miriamreadstarot https://twitter.com/miriamrachel75
https://lihnkedin.com/in/miriamrachel

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FAQ

How many episodes does Sober Living Stories have?

Sober Living Stories currently has 48 episodes available.

What topics does Sober Living Stories cover?

The podcast is about Addiction, Health & Fitness, Spirituality, Inspirational, Self-Help, Mental Health, Transformation, Fitness, Podcasts, Food Addiction, Sober, Self-Improvement, Education, Alcohol Free, Recovery, Health, Hope and Wellbeing.

What is the most popular episode on Sober Living Stories?

The episode title 'Breaking Free: Transforming Your Life in 75 Days' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Sober Living Stories?

The average episode length on Sober Living Stories is 40 minutes.

How often are episodes of Sober Living Stories released?

Episodes of Sober Living Stories are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Sober Living Stories?

The first episode of Sober Living Stories was released on Nov 27, 2023.

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Sober Living Stories

Jessica Stipanovic

Top 10 Sober Living Stories Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Sober Living Stories have?

What topics does Sober Living Stories cover?

What is the most popular episode on Sober Living Stories?

What is the average episode length on Sober Living Stories?

How often are episodes of Sober Living Stories released?

When was the first episode of Sober Living Stories?

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